After being in the business for a considerable period, every entrepreneur aims to expand the footholds of their business. Particularly, businesses that are doing well in the eCommerce world would have thought about growing their customer base in the diverse foreign market. Well, your gateway to foreign markets is international shipping and in today’s business landscape, the global shipping industry is rapidly expanding, So now is the time to score high in international shipping and take your business to the new heights of success.
If you want to scale your eCommerce business globally, then keep reading this blog until the very end.
What is International Shipping?
International shipping as the name suggests is the movement of goods outside the country across borders and different countries. It can be carried out through ocean routes, air, land or multimodal transport.
We are going to talk about how anyone with an eCommerce business can scale internationally and how to work around international shipping in India.
International shipping has its benefits, it helps provide you with a way to build a place for your products and business on a global platform. It ensures a way to create a demand and cater to a larger audience.
While international shipping can bring a lot of pros to your business, you should make some careful consideration. To manage this complex process, one must build a well-thought-out, well-informed, well-planned, and honest strategy.
How Does International Shipping Work?
Exporting and Importing Regulations
Before initiating international shipping, exporters and importers must comply with various customs regulations, import/export laws, and trade agreements specific to the countries involved. This includes obtaining necessary permits, licenses, and documentation.
Documentation and Paperwork
International shipping requires a range of documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bills of lading, and customs declarations. Accurate and complete documentation is essential to facilitate smooth customs clearance and avoid delays.
Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers
Many companies use freight forwarders to handle the logistics of international shipping. Freight forwarders arrange transportation, handle documentation, and coordinate with various carriers. Customs brokers assist with customs clearance, ensuring compliance with import/export regulations and facilitating the smooth movement of goods through customs checkpoints.
Mode of Transportation
Goods can be transported internationally through various modes, including air freight, ocean shipping, road transport, or a combination of these. The choice of transportation mode depends on factors such as cost, transit time, type of goods, and destination.
Packaging and Labeling
Proper packaging and labelling are critical for international shipments. Packaging should be robust to withstand handling and potential delays, while labelling should be clear and include essential information, such as destination address, product details, and handling instructions.
International Shipping Costs
International shipping costs comprise various elements, including transportation charges, customs duties, taxes, insurance, and handling fees. Companies need to calculate these costs accurately to determine the total landed cost of their products.
Customs Clearance
When goods arrive at the destination country, they must go through customs clearance. Customs officials inspect the shipment, verify the documentation, assess duties and taxes, and release the goods for delivery.
Tracking and Visibility
International shipping often includes tracking services, allowing both shippers and recipients to monitor the status and location of the shipment in real time.
Returns and Customer Support
International shipping also requires companies to have a system in place to handle returns and provide customer support to address any issues or inquiries related to the shipment.
Effective international shipping relies on proper planning, adherence to regulations, collaboration with reliable partners, and a strong understanding of the destination country’s import/export processes. Businesses must also consider cultural differences, language barriers, and regional trade practices to succeed in the global market.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Proceeding with International Shipping
A considerable amount of attention must be paid to the packaging of goods and commodities while planning for international shipping. As the goods have to travel a long distance, they must be packed securely.
- Several duties and taxes are imposed, thus, you must carefully research the overhead and shipping costs that might be put on your products.
- You will have to decide on a mode of transportation, be it through land, sea or air. This also includes choosing the right logistic partner, just like NimbusPost which caters to your shipping needs, covering both domestic shipping and international shipping.
- Make sure to research your target foreign markets and whether the product you want to sell is either allowed to be imported into those countries. There are certain restrictions and a ban on certain products in some specific countries, so don’t forget to crosscheck that! For example, in Bulgaria, importing clothes is illegal.
Conclusion
International shipping is a way to expand your business defying all the barriers across international borders. Thus, the wisest way to start shipping your products internationally is by being well-prepared and doing thorough research. You must know the costs, taxes, duties, rules and regulations, etc. You also need to partner with a reliable logistics company or aggregator that only makes the process easier for you. If you are looking for one, check out NimbusPost. They provide international shipping services and mediate the seller directly with the courier partners at cost-effective shipping rates.
